THERE'S no doubting the VW Golf's credentials but there are those who find the boxy shape just that bit too familiar and the trusty family hatch image might not be everyone's bag of chips.

However, you don't even have to leave the Volkswagen ‘family' to discover an interesting alternative.

SEAT, which aims to be the sporty but well-priced little brother, has the recently introduced Leon which comes as a rakish three-door as well as the better known traditional five-door hatch.

Top of the tree is the SC FR TDI, a racy coupe-styled four-seater which can give many sports cars a run for their money, thanks to a turbo diesel two-litre engine that knocks out an impressive 182bhp.

On the road this means a 62mph dash comes up in just 7.5 seconds and it tops out at 142mph. The big diesel pulling a relatively modest-sized body results in huge high gear impetus with little need to stir the slick six-speed gearbox.

These days, we are getting accustomed to driving spirited cars with miserly thirsts, but few can hold a candle to the FR which manages a super-clean 109g/km and correspondingly efficient fuel consumption of 67.3mpg (official average).

Even in the cut and thrust of everyday driving the 50mpg mark is quite feasible and I achieved a 54mpg average during a swift 100 mile drive. The tank holds 30 litres of fuel giving a useful range of approaching 600 miles between fill-ups.

In many respects, the FR feels rather Golf-like with robust switchgear, firm yet compliant ride and the sort of front-drive characteristics that tend to indentify the VW Group whether it wears a Skoda badge or an Audi one.

The cabin is smart but sombre, apart from dashes of red stitching and the initials FR variously emblazoned, but it doesn't quite match the top-end quality of either Golf or A3, its two blood brothers.

Like most VW Group diesels in four cylinder form the Leon's unit is a tad gruff at tickover and at low speed, but on the move it quietens down and proves relaxed for motorway cruising.

Equipment however in the SC FR, which costs a reasonable £22,255, is ample. It comes with electric folding mirrors, tinted windows, dual zone climate control, boot cargo net, cruise control and eight speaker sound kit.

The front sport seats are of cloth with leatherette bolsters but the test car was fitted with full leather pack at £1,195. The technology pack which includes sat nav and LED headlights is a no-cost option on the FR version.

Unlike some coupes, the FR is a genuine four-seater easily capable of carrying its full complement of passengers comfortably over long distances. You have to crouch a bit to get into the rear but that's the only penalty.

Luggage space with 380 litres of boot room is better than expected in view of the rakish profile. The rear seats fold to boost baggage carrying ability still further with just two onboard.

With understated yet sporty looks and considerable performance that doesn't inhibit economy the Leon FR has a lot going for it. Watch out Golf...